Electronic devices and methods for mounting electronic devices

Abstract

This provides an electronic device useful for early detection of cable theft. [Solution] The electronic device 10 attached to the cable 80 comprises a position measuring unit 40 for measuring the position of the cable 80, a communication unit 50 for transmitting the measurement result of the position of the cable 80, a power supply unit 20 for supplying power to the position measuring unit 40 and the communication unit 50, a display unit 30 that lights up when the power supply unit 20 is supplying power, and a housing 11 that houses the position measuring unit 40, the communication unit 50, and the power supply unit 20. The housing 11 has a first surface 17 that faces the cable 80 when the electronic device 10 is attached to the cable 80, and has a display unit 30 located on the side of the first surface 17. The display unit 30 lights up when the power supply unit 20 is supplying power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, there is known a device that uses a sensor in a container for accommodating a cable to detect a change in the state of the container and detect theft of the cable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The theft of the cable may not be immediately detected due to false detection of the sensor. Also, the theft of the cable may not be immediately detected when a cable thief tampering with the sensor. It is required to detect the theft of the cable at an early stage.

[0005] This disclosure has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic device useful for detecting theft of a cable at an early stage.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An electronic device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is attached to a cable. The electronic device comprises a position measuring unit for measuring the position of the cable, a communication unit for transmitting the measurement result of the position of the cable, a power supply unit for supplying power to the position measuring unit and the communication unit, a display unit that lights up when the power supply unit is supplying power, and a housing that houses the position measuring unit, the communication unit and the power supply unit. The housing has a first surface facing the cable when the electronic device is attached to the cable, and has the display unit located on the side of the first surface. The display unit lights up when the power supply unit is supplying power.

[0007] (2) The electronic device described in (1) above may further include a light-emitting device located inside the housing corresponding to the display unit. The light-emitting device may be configured so as not to be directly visible from the outside of the housing and to emit light from the inside of the housing through the first surface to the outside when emitting light, thereby illuminating the display unit.

[0008] (3) In the electronic device described in (1) or (2) above, the power supply unit may include an input device provided on the first side of the housing. The power supply unit may switch between a state of supplying power or a state of not supplying power in response to input to the input device.

[0009] (4) In the electronic device described in (3) above, the input device may be configured to receive input through a hole provided on the first surface of the housing.

[0010] (5) In the electronic device described in (3) or (4) above, the power supply unit may switch to either a power supply state or a power supply state if a pattern of one or more types of inputs to the input device matches a pattern for switching to either a power supply state or a power supply state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, an electronic device useful for early detection of cable theft is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view showing an example of use of the electronic device related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an electronic device. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged view of the framed area B in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a functional block of an electronic device related to this disclosure. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an adhesive member used to bond electronic devices to cables. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Cables are used to transmit electricity in solar power plants and other facilities. Due to factors such as the soaring price of copper, which is used as a material for cables, the risk of cable theft is increasing. Early detection of cable theft is required to deter cable theft or to recover stolen cables. Below, an electronic device 10 useful for early detection of cable theft is described.

[0014] (Example configuration of electronic device 10) As shown in Figure 1, the electronic device 10 is attached to the cable 80. The external shape of the electronic device 10 is assumed to be a substantially rectangular parallelepiped with its longitudinal direction in the direction in which the cable 80 extends, i.e., the X-axis direction, but is not limited to this. As shown in Figure 2, the electronic device 10 has a housing 11. The housing 11 has a first surface 17 that faces the cable 80 when the electronic device 10 is attached to the cable 80. The first surface 17 is the surface facing the negative Y-axis direction in Figure 2.

[0015] In this disclosure, the housing 11 is made by injection molding of resin. The housing 11 may also be made by machining from resin or metal. The housing 11 may also be made by joining plates of resin or metal, etc. The material of the housing 11 is not limited to resin or metal. The means of making the housing 11 is not limited to injection molding, machining, or joining.

[0016] When the housing 11 is manufactured by injection molding of resin, it may be formed by dividing it into two parts: the side facing the first surface 17 and the side opposite the first surface 17. The two parts may then be joined together after housing the power supply unit 20, etc., which will be described later, inside. When the housing 11 is formed by dividing it into two parts: the side facing the first surface 17 and the side opposite the first surface 17, gate marks 13 are present on the first surface 17 and the side opposite the first surface 17, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The gate marks 13 are marks that appear at the resin inlet in the mold used for injection molding.

[0017] The housing 11 has a hole 12 on its first surface 17. The hole 12 is used to operate the power supply unit 20 (see Figure 5), which will be described later, from outside the housing 11. By operating the power supply unit 20, the state of the electronic device 10 switches between an ON state, where it is operating, and an OFF state, where it is not operating. Operation of the power supply unit 20 is not limited to operation through the hole 12.

[0018] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the electronic device 10 includes a display unit 30 located on the first surface 17 side of the housing 11, i.e., on the negative Y-axis side. The display unit 30 indicates the operating status of the electronic device 10 by lighting or extinguishing. For example, the display unit 30 may indicate that the electronic device 10 is operating (on) by repeatedly lighting and extinguishing at regular intervals or at a predetermined time ratio, or by keeping it constantly lit. A worker attaching the electronic device 10 to the cable 80 can confirm that the electronic device 10 is in the ON state by visually checking the display on the display unit 30 and then attach the electronic device 10 to the cable 80. In this way, it is possible to avoid attaching the electronic device 10 to the cable 80 while it is still in the OFF state.

[0019] Since the display unit 30 is located on the side of the first surface 17 of the housing 11, the display unit 30 cannot be visually recognized when the electronic device 10 attached to the cable 80 is viewed. By doing so, the possibility that a criminal stealing the cable 80 notices the existence of the electronic device 10 is reduced. As a result, when the cable 80 is stolen, the possibility of tracking the position of the cable 80 without the electronic device 10 being removed from the cable 80 is increased. The display unit 30 may be configured such that when it is not lit, it cannot be distinguished from the portions other than the display unit 30 on the first surface 17 even when looking at the outer shape of the housing 11. Specifically, the display unit 30 may be flush with the first surface 17 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0020] The electronic device 10 includes a light-emitting device 31 at a position corresponding to the display portion 30 inside the housing 11. The light-emitting device 31 may be, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), but is not limited thereto. The light-emitting device 31 is assumed to be mounted on the substrate 16, but is not limited thereto. The electronic device 10 may not include the substrate 16. The light-emitting device 31 lights up the display portion 30 by emitting the point light 32 to the outside through the first surface 17 of the housing 11. The housing 11 may be configured such that the thickness in the direction orthogonal to the first surface 17, that is, the Y-axis direction, becomes thinner at the position of the light-emitting device 31 in order to increase the transmittance of the point light 32. That is, the display portion 30 may be configured as a portion where the thickness of the housing 11 is thin. Specifically, the housing 11 may have a side surface 14 and a bottom surface 15 that define a space that is recessed when viewed from the inside of the housing 11 as a space where the light-emitting device 31 is disposed. The bottom surface 15 is thin, and the transmittance of the point light 32 from the bottom surface 15 toward the outside of the housing 11 is high. As a result, compared with the case where the housing 11 does not have a thin portion, the lighting of the display portion 30 can be more easily seen from the outside of the housing 11. Since the lighting of the display portion 30 can be more easily seen, an operator attaching the electronic device 10 to the cable 80 can easily check the state of the power supply unit 20, and a situation where the electronic device 10 is attached to the cable 80 without switching the power supply unit 20 to the on state is prevented. The space where the light-emitting device 31 is disposed may be formed when the housing 11 is formed by injection molding, or may be formed by cutting resin after injection molding. The thickness of the thin portion may be adjusted in consideration of, for example, the type or transmittance of the resin, or the wavelength or light amount of the point light 32, but is not limited thereto and may be adjusted in consideration of other factors.

[0021] The housing 11 may have a side surface 14 and a bottom surface 15 that define a space that is recessed when viewed from the outside of the housing 11 at the position of the light-emitting device 31 as a configuration in which the thickness in the Y-axis direction becomes thinner. Also in this case, the transmittance of the point light 32 from the bottom surface 15 toward the outside of the housing 11 is high.

[0022] Regardless of whether the recess is provided on the inside or outside of the housing 11, the shape of the recess only needs to have a portion with a thin thickness in the Y-axis direction. In addition to the rectangular shape described above, it may be, for example, an arc shape, a V shape, or a trapezoid shape, but is not limited to these.

[0023] If the light-emitting device 31 is exposed to the outside of the housing 11, external foreign matter such as moisture or dust may enter the inside of the housing 11 through the gap between the housing 11 and the light-emitting device 31. By positioning the light-emitting device 31 inside the housing 11 without being exposed to the outside, the entry of external foreign matter into the inside of the housing 11 is prevented. In addition, because the light-emitting device 31 is not exposed to the outside of the housing 11, it is not directly visible from the outside of the housing 11. Because the light-emitting device 31 is not directly visible from the outside of the housing 11, it is difficult for criminals stealing the cable 80 to recognize the display unit 30, and the likelihood of them noticing the presence of the electronic device 10 is reduced.

[0024] The display unit 30 may be configured to light up by the emission of light from the resin or other material that constitutes the housing 11. The emission of light from the material constituting the housing 11 may be achieved by, for example, a fluorescent material, but is not limited to this. If the display unit 30 itself emits light, the electronic device 10 does not need to include a light-emitting device 31. Also, if the display unit 30 itself emits light, the display unit 30 does not need to have a recess.

[0025] If the power supply unit 20 is operated through the hole 12, the position of the hole 12 on the first surface 17 facing the cable 80 prevents the power supply unit 20 from being operated through the hole 12 while the electronic device 10 is attached to the cable 80. As a result, it becomes less likely that a criminal would switch the electronic device 10 to the off state if the cable 80 is stolen, and it becomes more likely that the location of the cable 80 can be tracked.

[0026] The housing 11 may be configured so that the surface opposite the first surface 17, that is, the surface facing outward when the electronic device 10 is attached to the cable 80, does not have any special structure. When the electronic device 10 is attached to the cable 80, the absence of any special structure visible from the outside makes it not immediately apparent that the electronic device 10 is for detecting theft of the cable 80. As a result, it becomes more difficult for criminals to notice the presence of the electronic device 10 compared to when there is a special structure such as a hole 12 or a display unit 30 on the outer surface.

[0027] (Example configuration of monitoring system 1) As shown in Figure 5, the monitoring system 1 according to this disclosure comprises a monitoring device 60 and an electronic device 10. The electronic device 10 is attached to a cable 80. The cable 80 may be a power cable, but is not limited to one. Since laid cables 80 may be stolen, the monitoring device 60 is capable of monitoring the current location of the electronic device 10 attached to the cable 80, i.e., the current location of the cable 80, and detects whether the cable 80 has been stolen by monitoring whether the current location of the cable 80 has moved from the predetermined location where the cable 80 was laid.

[0028] In addition to the display unit 30 described above, the electronic device 10 includes a power supply unit 20, a position measuring unit 40, and a communication unit 50. The power supply unit 20, the position measuring unit 40, and the communication unit 50 are housed in the housing 11. If the electronic device 10 includes a circuit board 16, the power supply unit 20, the position measuring unit 40, and the communication unit 50 may be mounted on the circuit board 16 together with the light-emitting device 31. The power supply unit 20, the light-emitting device 31, the position measuring unit 40, and the communication unit 50 may all be mounted on the same circuit board 16. At least some of the components of the power supply unit 20, the light-emitting device 31, the position measuring unit 40, and the communication unit 50 may not be mounted on the circuit board 16, or they may be mounted on different circuit boards 16.

[0029] The position measuring unit 40 measures the current position of the electronic device 10 itself. If the electronic device 10 is attached to the cable 80, the position measuring unit 40 measures the current position of the cable 80. The communication unit 50 outputs the measurement result of the current position of the electronic device 10 itself to the monitoring device 60. Information regarding the measurement result of the current position of the electronic device 10 is also simply referred to as position information. The power supply unit 20 supplies power to the position measuring unit 40 and the communication unit 50. The display unit 30 lights up or turns off depending on whether the power supply unit 20 is supplying power to the position measuring unit 40 and the communication unit 50. In other words, the lighting of the display unit 30 indicates that power is being supplied from the power supply unit 20 to the position measuring unit 40 and the communication unit 50, and that position measurement is being performed by the electronic device 10.

[0030] The position measurement unit 40 may include a device that receives signals from satellites and measures the current position of the electronic device 10 itself, such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) device. The position measurement unit 40 may include a device that measures the relative position to a base station as the current position of the electronic device 10 itself, based on the angle and distance of radio waves received from a base station of wireless communication such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation). The position measurement unit 40 may include a device that identifies the relative position to a base station as the current position of the electronic device 10 itself, based on the angle and distance of radio waves received from a beacon. The position measurement unit 40 is not limited to these examples and may include devices that measure the current position of the electronic device 10 itself in various ways.

[0031] The communication unit 50 may include a communication module for transmitting location information to the monitoring device 60. The communication module may support mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation). The communication module may support communication standards such as LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication module may support wired or wireless communication standards. The communication module is not limited to these and may support various communication standards.

[0032] The power supply unit 20 may be equipped with a battery, such as a primary battery or a secondary battery. If the power supply unit 20 is equipped with a primary battery, the electronic device 10 may be configured to allow the primary battery to be replaced, or it may simply shut down when the voltage of the primary battery drops. If the shut-down electronic device 10 remains attached to the cable 80, a criminal attempting to steal the cable 80 may not be able to determine from its appearance alone whether the electronic device 10 is shut down, and may decide that it would take too much time to remove the electronic device 10 or cut the part to which the electronic device 10 is attached, and thus give up on stealing the cable 80. In other words, the fact that the shut-down electronic device 10 remains attached to the cable 80 can act as a deterrent to the theft of the cable 80.

[0033] If the power supply unit 20 is equipped with a secondary battery, it may be configured to charge the secondary battery with power supplied from an external device via contact or non-contact. The power supply unit 20 may also operate on power supplied from an external device without being equipped with a battery. If the power supply unit 20 receives power from an external device via contact, it may be equipped with electrodes or terminals exposed on the surface of the housing 11 for energizing the external device. If the power supply unit 20 receives power from an external device via non-contact, it may be equipped with a coil or antenna inside the housing 11 for electromagnetic coupling with the external device.

[0034] The monitoring device 60 includes a communication module for acquiring location information of the electronic device 10 from the electronic device 10. The communication module is configured to communicate with the electronic device 10 by wire or wireless connection. The communication module may support mobile communication standards such as 4G or 5G. The communication module may support communication standards such as LAN. The communication module may support wired or wireless communication standards. The communication module is not limited to these and may support various communication standards.

[0035] The monitoring device 60 includes a processor or dedicated circuit for detecting that the cable 80 to which the electronic device 10 is attached has moved, based on the location information of the electronic device 10 acquired by the communication module. The processor or dedicated circuit may also detect that the cable 80 has been stolen. The processor may include, but is not limited to, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The dedicated circuit may include, but is not limited to, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0036] The monitoring device 60 includes a storage device. The storage device may include, but is not limited to, semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory. The storage device may function as, but is not limited to, main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The storage device may include an electromagnetic storage medium such as a magnetic disk. The storage device may include a non-temporary computer-readable medium. The storage device stores any information or programs used for the operation of the monitoring device 60. The storage device may store programs such as system programs and application programs. The storage device may be included in the processor or dedicated circuitry, or it may be configured separately from the processor or dedicated circuitry.

[0037] The monitoring device 60 includes an output device for outputting detection results indicating that the cable 80 has been moved or stolen. The output device may include a display device that outputs visual information such as images, characters, and graphics. The display device may include, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, an inorganic EL display, or a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), but is not limited to these and may include various other types of displays. The display device may include a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an LD (Laser Diode). The display device may include various other devices. The output device may include an audio output device such as a speaker that outputs auditory information such as sound. The output device is not limited to these examples and may include various other devices.

[0038] The monitoring device 60 may include an input device that receives information or data from the user. The input device may include a pointing device such as a touch panel, touch sensor, or mouse. The input device may also include physical keys. The input device may also include an audio input device such as a microphone.

[0039] The monitoring device 60 may be configured as a PC such as a notebook PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet PC. The monitoring device 60 may be configured as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet. The monitoring device 60 may be configured including one server device or multiple server devices that can communicate with each other. The monitoring device 60 is not limited to these examples and may be configured in various other forms.

[0040] The monitoring device 60 may be implemented using a cloud service or in an on-premises environment. The monitoring device 60 may also have a part that performs information processing and a part that serves as a user interface, both as separate hardware components.

[0041] (Example of operation of power supply unit 20) The electronic device 10 operates when the power supply unit 20 supplies power to the position measuring unit 40 and the communication unit 50. The power supply unit 20 is configured to be switchable between an ON state, which supplies power, and an OFF state, which does not supply power. As described above, the power supply unit 20 is configured to accept operation inputs for switching between the ON and OFF states. An example of the operation of the power supply unit 20 will be described below.

[0042] The power supply unit 20 may include a switch that detects input such as pressing or contact by a pin or the like inserted from the outside through a hole 12 in the housing 11. The power supply unit 20 may switch between on and off states for each input to the switch. The power supply unit 20 may switch between on and off states according to an input pattern that combines multiple inputs to the switch. The input pattern for switching to the on state and the input pattern for switching to the off state may be the same or different.

[0043] The input pattern may include, for example, a pattern in which a predetermined number of inputs are made within a predetermined time. Specifically, the input pattern may be a pattern in which five inputs are made within 10 seconds. The predetermined number of inputs is not limited to five. The predetermined time is not limited to 10 seconds. The power supply unit 20 may determine that if more than the predetermined number of inputs are made, it does not match the input pattern for switching between the on and off states. By strictly determining the number of inputs, the possibility that an operation by a criminal stealing the cable 80 may accidentally match the input pattern for switching to the off state and turn off the electronic device 10 is reduced.

[0044] The input pattern may be one in which a single input lasts for a predetermined time. Specifically, the input pattern may be a so-called long-press pattern in which a single press or contact lasts for 3 seconds. The predetermined time is not limited to 3 seconds. The predetermined time may be set as a time range, for example, 2.5 seconds to 3.5 seconds. The power supply unit 20 may determine that an input lasting longer than the predetermined time does not match the input pattern for switching between the on and off states. By strictly determining the input time, the possibility that an operation by a criminal stealing the cable 80 may accidentally match the input pattern for switching to the off state and turn off the electronic device 10 is reduced.

[0045] The input pattern may include a combination of the number of inputs and the input duration. Specifically, the input pattern may be one in which five inputs are made within 10 seconds, followed by a long press lasting 3 seconds. The combination of different input patterns reduces the likelihood that the electronic device 10 will be turned off by an input pattern accidentally matching that of a criminal.

[0046] The power supply unit 20 may be equipped with multiple switches. The holes 12 may be provided corresponding to each of the multiple switches. If the power supply unit 20 is equipped with switches A and B, for example, the input pattern may be a pattern in which input is given to switches A and B simultaneously, a so-called simultaneous press pattern. Alternatively, the input pattern may be a pattern in which input is given to switch B after input is given to switch A. In other words, the input pattern may include giving input to multiple switches in a specific sequence.

[0047] When configured to detect input through the hole 12, the first surface 17 of the housing 11 faces the cable 80 while the electronic device 10 is attached to the cable 80, preventing external foreign matter such as water or dust from entering the housing 11 through the hole 12 located on the first surface 17. Furthermore, because the hole 12 is not visible from the outside, it becomes impossible to input a switch to the OFF state while the electronic device 10 remains attached to the cable 80.

[0048] A switch that detects input such as pressing or contacting to switch between on and off states may be located on the surface of the housing 11. Alternatively, a part of the housing 11 may be configured to be flexible, and the switch may be located directly beneath the flexible part, allowing input such as pressing or contacting the switch to be performed from outside the housing 11 through the housing 11. By configuring the switch so that it is not directly contacted, foreign objects from the outside are prevented from entering the inside of the housing 11. Even when input to the switch is performed through the housing 11, the input patterns for switching between on and off states may include various patterns as described above. The switch may be configured to detect input that is pressed deeper than a position flush with the first surface 17 of the housing 11. This prevents the mistaken detection of contact with the cable 80 as input when attaching the electronic device 10 to the cable 80. The switch may be located, for example, at an off-center position in the width direction. When attaching the electronic device 10 to the cable 80, the area near the center in the width direction is pressed against the cable 80, while the area near the edge in the width direction receives less force from the cable 80. Therefore, by positioning the switch towards the end in the width direction, it is possible to avoid incorrectly detecting contact of cable 80 as an input.

[0049] The modes in which the power supply unit 20 detects input are not limited to the switches described above. The power supply unit 20 may be equipped with sensors for detecting various physical quantities as input, such as temperature, humidity, light, pressure, sound, acceleration, and capacitance. For example, the power supply unit 20 may detect when the temperature has risen above or fallen below a predetermined temperature as an input for switching between on and off states. For example, the power supply unit 20 may detect when the humidity has risen above or fallen below a predetermined humidity as an input for switching between on and off states. For example, the power supply unit 20 may detect when a sensor detects light stronger than a predetermined intensity as an input for switching between on and off states. For example, the power supply unit 20 may detect when a sensor detects pressure higher than a predetermined pressure as an input for switching between on and off states. For example, the power supply unit 20 may detect when a sensor detects sound louder than a predetermined intensity as an input for switching between on and off states. For example, the power supply unit 20 may detect when a sensor detects acceleration greater than a predetermined acceleration as an input for switching between on and off states. The power supply unit may, for example, detect when a sensor detects a capacitance greater than a predetermined capacitance, and use this as an input to switch between the on and off states. The power supply unit 20 may be equipped with a timer for measuring time. The power supply unit 20 may, for example, detect when a predetermined time has elapsed as measured by the timer, and use this as an input to switch between the on and off states.

[0050] The power supply unit 20 may switch between on and off states when it detects an input using the sensors or timers described above, or it may switch between on and off states according to an input pattern that combines inputs detected using input devices such as switches, sensors, or timers. The input devices used to detect inputs are not limited to switches, sensors, or timers. The input pattern for switching between on and off states may be set as a pattern that combines inputs detected by any input device. The inputs combined in the input pattern may include various forms such as the number of inputs, input time, input order, and simultaneous inputs. In other words, the power supply unit 20 may switch to either on or off when a pattern that combines one or more forms of inputs to an input device matches an input pattern for switching between on and off states.

[0051] (Example of operation of monitoring device 60) If the laid cable 80 is stolen, the current location of the electronic device 10 attached to the stolen cable 80 will change. The monitoring device 60 according to this disclosure can detect the theft of the cable 80 to which the electronic device 10 is attached by acquiring the current location of the electronic device 10 and monitoring the movement of the cable 80.

[0052] The monitoring device 60 acquires location information of the electronic device 10 and determines whether the current location of the electronic device 10 is outside a predetermined range. If the current location of the electronic device 10 is outside the predetermined range, it may determine that the cable 80 to which the electronic device 10 is attached has been stolen. The predetermined range may be set for each electronic device 10. The predetermined range may be, for example, the area of ​​the premises of a facility such as a power plant that uses the cable 80. The predetermined range may be set as an area where the distance from the location where the cable 80 to which the electronic device 10 is attached is less than or equal to a predetermined value. The predetermined range is not limited to these examples and may be set as appropriate. A different range may be set as the predetermined range for each of multiple electronic devices 10. A range common to all or some of multiple electronic devices 10 may be set as the predetermined range. After outputting the theft detection result for the stolen cable 80, the monitoring device 60 may acquire and track the current location of the cable 80.

[0053] The monitoring device 60 may display the current location of the electronic device 10 as useful information for the monitoring operator to determine whether the cable 80 has been stolen. The monitoring operator may determine whether the cable 80 has been stolen by checking the current location of the electronic device 10.

[0054] (Example of mounting configuration for electronic device 10) The electronic device 10 may be attached to the cable 80 by wrapping tape, such as electrical vinyl tape, around the outside of the cable 80.

[0055] The electronic device 10 may be bonded to the surface of the cable 80 by adhesive members 70 having a shape that conforms to the surface of the cable 80, as illustrated in Figure 6. The adhesive members 70 may be configured as members located at both ends of the electronic device 10 in the width direction, i.e., in the Z-axis direction. The adhesive members 70 may be configured so that there is one member extending along the cable 80 at each end of the electronic device 10 in the width direction. The wider the bonding surface between the cable 80 and the electronic device 10, the longer it takes to remove the electronic device 10 from the cable 80, and the greater the deterrent effect against the theft of the cable 80. The manner in which the electronic device 10 is attached to the outside of the cable 80 is not limited to the examples described above.

[0056] (summary) As described above, the monitoring system 1, monitoring device 60, and monitoring method according to this embodiment make it possible to detect early whether the cable 80 has been stolen by acquiring location information of the laid cable 80. Early detection of theft of the cable 80 makes it possible to track the cable 80 and deter crimes.

[0057] The electronic device 10 is not limited to power cables, but may be attached to various cables 80, such as communication cables. The objects to which the electronic device 10 is attached are not limited to cables 80, but may be manhole covers, drain covers, chains, wires, or other components that are installed in a fixed location and are not moved in principle. The monitoring device 60 may be used to monitor whether the object to which the electronic device 10 is attached has been stolen.

[0058] While embodiments relating to this disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications or alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or step can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and it is possible to combine multiple components or steps into one, or to divide one component or step into multiple components or steps. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 1. Monitoring System 10 Electronic devices (11: housing, 12: holes, 13: gate marks, 14: side, 15: bottom, 16: circuit board, 17: first surface) 20 Power supply section 30 Display section 31 Light-emitting devices (32: Illumination light) 40 Position measurement section 50 Communications Department 60 Monitoring equipment 70 Adhesive material 80 Cables

Claims

1. An electronic device that is attached to a cable, A position measuring unit for measuring the position of the cable, A communication unit that transmits the measurement result of the position of the cable, A power supply unit that supplies power to the position measuring unit and the communication unit, An indicator unit that lights up when the power supply unit is supplying power, A housing that houses the position measuring unit, the communication unit, and the power supply unit. Equipped with, The power supply unit includes an input device, and when a pattern of two or more types of inputs to the input device matches a pattern for switching between a power supply state and a power supply non-supply state, it switches between a power supply state and a power supply non-supply state. Electronic devices.

2. The housing further comprises a light-emitting device located inside the housing corresponding to the display unit, The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting device is not directly visible from the outside of the housing and is configured to emit light from the inside of the housing outwards when emitting light to illuminate the display unit.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input device is configured to receive input through a hole provided in the housing.

4. A method for attaching an electronic device to a cable, comprising: a position measuring unit for measuring the position of the cable; a communication unit for transmitting the measurement result of the position of the cable; a power supply unit for supplying power to the position measuring unit and the communication unit; a display unit that lights up when the power supply unit is supplying power; and a housing for housing the position measuring unit, the communication unit and the power supply unit, the housing having a first surface on which the display unit is located, wherein the first surface faces the cable.

5. The method for mounting an electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the power supply unit comprises an input device provided on the first surface side of the housing, and switches between a state of supplying power or a state of not supplying power in response to an input to the input device.

Images